Who wouldn't relish the opportunity to pick the brain of a real expert on all things sexual? I couldn't wait to hear all about Ashley, so after making introductions, I sat right down with her beautiful self and jumped right in with my questions.
JD: Your store, AshleySexToys.com, has had a major presence online for several years now. What made you decide to sell these kinds of products for a living?
Ashley: First of all, I loved the idea of going into business for myself, not having to answer to anyone else. I was also raised in a very open-minded home and I always had an appreciation for sex and sexuality. I liked the idea of being able to help others explore their own fantasies. It's a fun job, really. There are still days when I just sit there and marvel about how lucky I am.
JD: So you love your job. What does your family think? Do they know what you do?
Ashley: I couldn't keep a secret if I wanted to! Everyone who knows me knows that I sell vibrators and toys online. My mom was a little freaked out at first, but she's a typical mom - she just wants me to be happy with my career. My husband, of course, thinks it's a terrific job, and my children are too young to understand but they will grow up knowing what their mom does all day. It's nothing to be ashamed of!
JD: You really do embody the notion of 'sex-positivity'. Do you consider yourself a role model for other women?
Ashley: Oh, wow! You're going to make me blush. No, I don't think I'm a role model. If anything, I think of myself more as an instructor, helping people bring out their own sexual side. To be perfectly honest, I put the most effort into the advice and education about sex and sextoys aspect of my website because I think it;s so important for people to explore all that without feeling any embarassment.
JD: Have you ever gotten any criticism for working in the adult industry? I can't help but to think some people would be put off by that.
Ashley: I'm sure there are some people who think it's a weird occupation, but most of the people I meet just want to know if I can give them discount sex toys. You'd be surprised how many people actually welcome the opportunity to talk about what they own, what they enjoy, and what they totally hated trying.
JD: I have to ask. Do you sell anything that completely turns you off?
Ashley: I have such a variety, I think it would be hard to find anyone who enjoyed every single product in the store. And of course, there are some things that are designed as gag gifts. No one really wants to get off on an inflatable sheep, right? In all seriousness, none of the real toys disgust me. I can see the potential for fun in each of them.
JD: Okay, so what are your favorite things from the store? What do you just have to have in your nightstand?
Ashley: Oh my! Give me one of everything. I love the colorful glass dildos; I'd decorate my house with them if I didn't think they'd get broken. I'm also wild about our selection of rabbit vibrators. They all have their own little things that make them unique, and you can't help but want to try them all.
JD: Thank you for taking the time to talk with us today, Ashley. I think it's time for me to go shopping now!
Published by Jessica DelBalzo
I am a mother, writer and activist from Flemington, New Jersey. My writing has been published by Clamor, Eclectica and many local and not-so-local newspapers. View profile
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